Alimak Hek India established

Hoist, lift and work platform manufacturer Alimak Hek has established an operation in India.

Petter Arvidson, president and chief executive officer of the Alimak Hek Group said, "The establishment of an operation in India is an important step in our global strategy, which entails securing a strong presence in all major regions and countries."

The new operation comes on the back of very high growth in demand for construction equipment in India, Fredrik Wiking, executive vice president and head of business area construction equipment at Alimak Hek said, "There is a now a 15% growth in demand for construction equipment year on year and the demand for hoists is growing at an even faster rate. Our business in India is really taking off."

Much of the growth is due to the increasing size of the middle classes in India and their demand for higher quality housing which tends to come in the form of high rise developments. There are also a number of European construction companies working in the market who already understand the productivity benefits of using hoists, mast climbers and transport platforms.

Alimak Hek India will initially focus on the construction market, including customers such as construction companies, contractors and rental fleet operators and on industrial markets such as petrochemical, power and cement.

The Alimak 450 and 650 hoist ranges and Alimak industrial lifts will be available in India, alongside the Hek work and transport platform ranges all supported with appropriate aftermarket series.

The Indian operation will be led by Shankar Rao who has recently been appointed as managing director for Alimak Hek India.